Rumors of Scott's possible firing persisted throughout the season, but ramped up in recent weeks, with Scott remaining unwilling to speak on his standing with the team.

One sticking point was the Cavaliers' lack of defensive improvement over the past few years, a development that did not please owner Dan Gilbert, the Beacon Journal reports.

General manager Chris Grant was a Scott supporter up until recent weeks, the newspaper reports. Then, the Cavaliers regressed and finished the year by losing 16 of their last 18 games, which included blowout losses to the New Orleans Hornets and Charlotte Bobcats.

The Cavaliers have one of the more promising young rosters, with All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving as its centerpiece. Young players Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson and Tyler Zeller also have potential to develop into solid pros.

But Irving, who is devastated by the news, according to a Sporting News source, will be the big draw for possible coaches. In only his second season, Irving averaged 22.5 points, 5.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds.